When I finish my studies I want to do optional practical training but I have some question about it. What is exactly the duration? Because I want to move to another state. For those who don’t know an OPT is a work benefit allowed to international students in F-1 immigration status who are completing a degree program in the united states.You can use it pre-completion (over the annual vacation or leave term) or post-completion (once you finish your degree). If you need more information please feel free to ask me anything and if you could resolve my doubts it’d be nice! Thanks

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Sophia:

The initial post-completion period for which you can apply is 12 months and the requested employment start date must be between the end of the program date and 60 days later. I know because I started mine las year and I was obsessed with finding all kinds of information about it. Remember you should be enrolled in legal status for at least 9 months and that the OPT must be directly related to whatever field your degree is in. But don’t worry about moving to a different state because I think you can change or interrupt your employment if you notify the office. You should check that out because I’m not a hundred percent sure. Either way I hope this helps somehow! Have a nice day

Dec 19, 2017
Reply to Sophia

Seth:

Are you sure you can interrupt the OPT? I don’t think you are allowed to do that … also do you know if is extendable beyond 12 months? I’m scared that I am not going to like it and if I do maybe I would like to have the option to extend it.

Dec 19, 2017
Reply to Seth

Chase:

Seth is right; you can use it in chunks before completion of studies but after you must use it as a single block of time. If you do a bit before completion remember to deduct the difference of any previous OPT time.